really severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the intensity or seriousness of a situation, condition, or event. Example: "The storm caused really severe damage to the coastal towns, leaving many residents without power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had really severe obsessive compulsive disorder".

The Guardian

"The Russians have been subjected to really severe terrorist attacks".

The Guardian

The consequences of these unwarranted failures can sometimes be really severe.

Computer-Aided Design

"The injuries from suicide bombers are really severe," she said.

The New York Times

The solution to really severe cuts has been public-private partnerships," he argues.

The Guardian

And that became the pretext for this really severe dose [of austerity].

The Guardian

"That was when I started to deal with really severe depression and crushing anxiety.

Independent

There was an Empire sofa, upholstered in black horsehair, that was really severe.

The New York Times

The question is, can Russia swallow Ukraine without getting really severe indigestion, and are they willing to pay that price?

Cornell University

"I'd say 5 to 10percentt of the population has claustrophobia, and some cases are really severe.

The New York Times - Health

But, he said, "most of the athletes have really severe energy deficits at different times of the day".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really severe" to emphasize the seriousness of a situation, but consider your audience. In formal writing, more precise language may be preferable. Alternatives include "extremely serious" or "highly critical".

Common error

Avoid using "really severe" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive phrases to convey the intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really severe" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to emphasize the degree of severity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really severe" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the intensity of something negative. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider your audience and the formality of the setting. In academic or professional contexts, opting for more precise alternatives like "extremely serious" or "highly critical" can enhance your writing. Overusing "really severe" can diminish its impact, so vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely serious

Emphasizes the gravity and potential consequences of a situation.

highly critical

Suggests a situation is at a crucial point and requires immediate attention.

intensely grave

Highlights the solemn and deeply concerning nature of the situation.

utterly devastating

Conveys a sense of complete destruction and overwhelming impact.

exceptionally acute

Indicates a sharpness or intensity that is beyond the norm.

remarkably critical

Highlights the importance and urgency of addressing the issue.

terribly acute

Stresses the painful and distressing aspect of the severity.

profoundly serious

Implies a deep and far-reaching level of significance.

particularly bad

Offers a more understated way to express severity, suitable for less formal contexts.

genuinely critical

Highlights the authenticity and undeniable nature of the critical situation.

FAQs

How can I use "really severe" in a sentence?

You can use "really severe" to describe the intensity of negative conditions or situations. For example, "The hurricane caused "really severe damage" to the coastline" or "He suffered a "really severe injury" during the accident."

What are some alternatives to "really severe"?

Alternatives to "really severe" include "extremely serious", "highly critical", or "intensely grave". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "really severe" too informal for academic writing?

While "really severe" is generally acceptable, it might be considered less formal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "exceptionally acute" or "profoundly serious" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "really severe" and "very severe"?

The difference between "really severe" and "very severe" is subtle. "Really" can sometimes add a bit more emphasis or immediacy, but they are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.